SOUTH AFRICA star Tokelo Rantie reckons his role as supersub remains right for both him and Cherries – despite breaking his Dean Court duck.

Cherries’ record signing notched the winner three minutes after entering the action in last night’s 2-1 home win over Huddersfield Town, his first goal on Dorset soil.

Rantie latched onto Eunan O’Kane’s threaded pass and produced a cool low finish across inspired visiting keeper Alex Smithies which kissed the far post on its way in.

It was the 23-year-old’s second strike since his big-money move from Swedish club Malmo in August, more than three months after his eye-catching equaliser at Burnley in November.

Rantie found himself on the bench from the start of December and has not started a league match since but has entered the fray as a substitute in all but two of Cherries’ Championship fixtures during that time.

And although the hard-working hitman finally got a goal under his belt, Rantie backed boss Eddie Howe’s patient approach to his long-term progress.

Rantie said: “To be honest, I think the manager is doing the right thing to put me on as a second-half substitute because that is the only way I will adapt to English football.

“Grabbs (Lewis Grabban) has been outstanding for us and he has been motivating me. The rest of the guys have been doing well so I don’t think it would be any use to change the team right now just because I scored.

"The team is doing well and you can’t change a winning formula.

“I am very grateful that I managed to contribute with the goal and it was something I needed. Hopefully, there will be more goals to come.

“We knew from the beginning we could not play our normal game in the conditions and they were pushing high so the manager told me I needed to make runs in behind.

“It was something that was working for us in the first half so I tried to make it easy for myself by being in the right place at the right time.”

Much to his surprise, Rantie, who ran to embrace supporters in the Steve Fletcher Stand after netting, was booked by referee Graham Horwood for his celebrations.

But despite his yellow card, the Cherries striker was adamant he wanted to repay the support of the Dean Court faithful.

“It was an emotional game for me and I think I deserved the hug from them and they deserved the hug from me,” added Rantie.

“That (the supporters' backing) is something that can motivate you as a player. It shows they appreciate me being here and I am very grateful to score in front of them.

“They have been waiting for it (a goal) for quite some time now and I was very pleased it came at the right time to get three points.”

Comments

what a difference a pass makes!! I knew sooner or later TK would get one, pass, that is, and having scored from a lovely through ball from Eunan, others started to try and do the same, amazing!!

what a difference a pass makes!! I knew sooner or later TK would get one, pass, that is, and having scored from a lovely through ball from Eunan, others started to try and do the same, amazing!!Afcbpete

what a difference a pass makes!! I knew sooner or later TK would get one, pass, that is, and having scored from a lovely through ball from Eunan, others started to try and do the same, amazing!!

Score: 12

afcb-mark
1:48pm Wed 29 Jan 14

I noticed the ref didn't book any of the Huddersfield players when half a dozen of them ran over to their fans after they had scored. If a ref is going to book a player for that it has to be across the board, book them both or don't book either of them. Referees need to be consistent.

I noticed the ref didn't book any of the Huddersfield players when half a dozen of them ran over to their fans after they had scored. If a ref is going to book a player for that it has to be across the board, book them both or don't book either of them. Referees need to be consistent.afcb-mark

I noticed the ref didn't book any of the Huddersfield players when half a dozen of them ran over to their fans after they had scored. If a ref is going to book a player for that it has to be across the board, book them both or don't book either of them. Referees need to be consistent.

Score: 25

Afcbpete
2:04pm Wed 29 Jan 14

afcb-mark wrote…

I noticed the ref didn't book any of the Huddersfield players when half a dozen of them ran over to their fans after they had scored. If a ref is going to book a player for that it has to be across the board, book them both or don't book either of them. Referees need to be consistent.

I made that point, but was told I was wrong which was quite fair, it seems TK making contact with the crowd was the problem. We see it week in week out, and players rarely get booked for it. As you say, not exactly consistent...

[quote][p][bold]afcb-mark[/bold] wrote:
I noticed the ref didn't book any of the Huddersfield players when half a dozen of them ran over to their fans after they had scored. If a ref is going to book a player for that it has to be across the board, book them both or don't book either of them. Referees need to be consistent.[/p][/quote]I made that point, but was told I was wrong which was quite fair, it seems TK making contact with the crowd was the problem. We see it week in week out, and players rarely get booked for it. As you say, not exactly consistent...Afcbpete

afcb-mark wrote…

I noticed the ref didn't book any of the Huddersfield players when half a dozen of them ran over to their fans after they had scored. If a ref is going to book a player for that it has to be across the board, book them both or don't book either of them. Referees need to be consistent.

I made that point, but was told I was wrong which was quite fair, it seems TK making contact with the crowd was the problem. We see it week in week out, and players rarely get booked for it. As you say, not exactly consistent...

Score: 9

afcbtintin
2:14pm Wed 29 Jan 14

Just watched the interview on YouTube. What a true gentleman !

UTCIAD

Just watched the interview on YouTube. What a true gentleman !
UTCIADafcbtintin

Just watched the interview on YouTube. What a true gentleman !

UTCIAD

Score: 13

Doddler
5:02pm Wed 29 Jan 14

afcbtintin wrote…

Just watched the interview on YouTube. What a true gentleman !

UTCIAD

I absolutely agree. Ever since he came I have felt that he was a cut above many of the others we see and hear (from other clubs of course!). Having taught for many years, I can only say that he seems to me to be an excellent role model for our young supporters. So very pleased that he scored - and let's hope there are lots more goals to come from him.

[quote][p][bold]afcbtintin[/bold] wrote:
Just watched the interview on YouTube. What a true gentleman !
UTCIAD[/p][/quote]I absolutely agree. Ever since he came I have felt that he was a cut above many of the others we see and hear (from other clubs of course!). Having taught for many years, I can only say that he seems to me to be an excellent role model for our young supporters. So very pleased that he scored - and let's hope there are lots more goals to come from him.Doddler

afcbtintin wrote…

Just watched the interview on YouTube. What a true gentleman !

UTCIAD

I absolutely agree. Ever since he came I have felt that he was a cut above many of the others we see and hear (from other clubs of course!). Having taught for many years, I can only say that he seems to me to be an excellent role model for our young supporters. So very pleased that he scored - and let's hope there are lots more goals to come from him.

Score: 11

canfordcherry
7:31pm Wed 29 Jan 14

Even when he was caught offside he handed the ball back to their keeper rather than just drop it or kick it away, different class of person and wonderful to see.

Even when he was caught offside he handed the ball back to their keeper rather than just drop it or kick it away, different class of person and wonderful to see.canfordcherry

Even when he was caught offside he handed the ball back to their keeper rather than just drop it or kick it away, different class of person and wonderful to see.

Score: 7

golfer33
7:39pm Wed 29 Jan 14

Strange that Nat isnt making any comments about TKs winner.

Strange that Nat isnt making any comments about TKs winner.golfer33

Strange that Nat isnt making any comments about TKs winner.

Score: 4

kangman2012
8:59am Thu 30 Jan 14

Afcbpete wrote…

what a difference a pass makes!! I knew sooner or later TK would get one, pass, that is, and having scored from a lovely through ball from Eunan, others started to try and do the same, amazing!!

"Excellent point "Afcbpete" - some of our lot really do seem to be "Lemmings" on the pitch sometimes. Anyway, let's hope we can stop the Leicester "juggernaut" on Saturday, weather permitting - UTC!

[quote][p][bold]Afcbpete[/bold] wrote:
what a difference a pass makes!! I knew sooner or later TK would get one, pass, that is, and having scored from a lovely through ball from Eunan, others started to try and do the same, amazing!![/p][/quote]"Excellent point "Afcbpete" - some of our lot really do seem to be "Lemmings" on the pitch sometimes. Anyway, let's hope we can stop the Leicester "juggernaut" on Saturday, weather permitting - UTC!kangman2012

Afcbpete wrote…

what a difference a pass makes!! I knew sooner or later TK would get one, pass, that is, and having scored from a lovely through ball from Eunan, others started to try and do the same, amazing!!

"Excellent point "Afcbpete" - some of our lot really do seem to be "Lemmings" on the pitch sometimes. Anyway, let's hope we can stop the Leicester "juggernaut" on Saturday, weather permitting - UTC!

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